Marine Signal Lantern Features Turret Made of Solvay Advanced Polymers' KetaSpire® PEEK Resin

MAERIALS: The TF-3B MicroPower OMNIBUS^® II Flasher/Lampchanger from Tideland Signal Corp., Houston, features a turret made of 30 percent glass-filled KetaSpire® KT-880 polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin from Solvay Advanced Polymers LLC for high-heat resistance and exceptional dimensional stability. The solid-state flasher and six-place lampchanger is an integral component in Tideland Signal’s marine signal lanterns which are used for navigational purposes at ports and harbors throughout the world.

KetaSpire PEEK resin replaces competing thermoplastics in the six-sided injection molded structure which also features gold-plated contacts. The 65mm diameter PEEK turret accepts 100W halogen lamps and must withstand temperatures up to 600F (316C), according to P.C. To, Tideland Signal’s vice-president of manufacturing. KetaSpire PEEK’s low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) helps to ensure dimensional stability and filling of complex thin-wall structures.

KetaSpire PEEK provides a range of high-performance properties including high-heat resistance, broad chemical resistance, ease of processing, and excellent ductility. Specifically, the material boasts a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of 315C (599F), continuous-use temperature up to 240C (464F), high impact strength, excellent fatigue resistance, and outstanding chemical resistance to organics (particularly solvents), acids, and bases. It also has excellent mechanical properties, particularly in high-pressure environments.

-Edited by Kelsey Anderson